Obituary of Robert Alan Miller

It is with heavy hearts, deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert (Bob) Miller on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario. Bob fought a courageous and brief battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive disease, which he was diagnosed with on January 30, 2023.

Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife and soulmate of 47 years, Diane (Beaudry) Miller. Dad to Ashley and Marty Stuehler, Dustin Miller and Robyn Warsylewicz, and Zachary and Caitlin Miller. He was affectionately known as GP (Grand-Pere) to eight year-old Emma, seven year-old Jackson and three year-old Holden.

Brother to Debbie (Don) Pitts, Brenda (Don) Crickmore, Barry (Cathy) Miller, Brian Miller, and brother-in-law to Beverley and Vaughn Embro-Pantalony, and Ron (Jess) Beaudry. Bob was pre-deceased by his parents Peter (1962) and Irene (2017) Miller, and in-laws Shirley (2017) and Raymond (2017) Beaudry.

Bob was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario. Bob’s passions were many but his greatest love was his family who he was devoted to. No ask was too big and his answer was always a resounding “yes.” He loved to cook for his family, always making sure they were well fed and he could often be found in the kitchen trying a new recipe. Bob was very skilled with home renovations and took immense pride in caring for his home. His children benefitted from these skills - he was the first to offer his expertise and time for their home renovations. There was no project Bob couldn’t tackle.

Camping was another hobby for Bob, Diane, their kids and grandchildren. They spent many years making family memories at special places such as Ocean Park, Maine. Whether building sand sculptures or playing bocce ball at the beach, he was in his happy place. Cherished family memories together include skiing, hiking and just spending time together laughing. In recent years, Bob had taken up golf in a men’s league and lawn bowling.

Bob was generous with his time, volunteering as a Big Brother for several years, repaying the many years he had a Big Brother. Both Diane and Bob were founding members of the Chicopee Ski Friends in 1984. Bob also volunteered his time with any organization that his children were involved in. This led to his involvement with Kitchener Minor Soccer as a convener, level three National soccer coach, manager and director on the board. For several years he coached the U13 girls Peel Halton soccer team, preparing them to qualify for the Ontario Provincial Team.

His volunteering extended to the speed skating world as well, including the Cambridge Speed Skating Club as a coach and level two referee. He became the Manager of the Ontario Provincial Speed Skating team for a time and also served as President of the Ontario Speed Skating Association. For the last two summers Bob coached his grandchildren’s soccer teams with the Ayr Soccer Club. It was a labour of love to be able to pass on skills to the next generation even if they were more interested in having fun on the pitch than playing soccer.  

Bob worked for 48 years in the food industry, retiring a year ago. His work ethic was unmatched. He was passionate and dedicated to his work, and always willing to share his knowledge. He began his career at J.M. Schneiders where he was mentored in the art of sausage stuffing. He quickly learned other areas of food production including how to take machines apart and put them back together. These skills served Bob well as his career progressed in the industry. He worked for McCormick and Company Inc. blending spices to achieve desired flavour profiles and then sold mustard seed for G.S. Dunn around the world, visiting 45 countries in five years. The final chapter of Bob’s career saw him return to product development at Grand River Foods Inc (Sunrise Poultry) where he created new products seen in restaurants and grocery stores across the country. He was always learning and working on new ideas. If you have ever enjoyed a frozen hamburger chances are it was Bob’s creation. His peers lovingly nicknamed him “Burger Bob”. He was the ultimate professional and respected by all.

Bob’s life motto, including during his journey with cancer, was to “take things one day at a time.” In the challenging days that lie ahead, those closest to Bob will carry this wisdom with them. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, and his legacy will live on through his family. Bob kept his positive attitude until the end.

The Miller family would like to thank the wonderful, compassionate nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital and London Health Sciences Centre who supported Bob and the family over the last three months. The world is a better place because of your knowledge and empathy.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honour Bob at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 30 Fairway Road S., Kitchener, Ontario on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m with family speeches at 2:30pm.

It was Bob’s hope that his experience could help someone in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Robert Miller to the London Health Sciences Foundation - London Regional Cancer Program in support of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer research. Click here: https://lhsf.ca/ways-give/memory